BWW Reviews: Opera Australia's LA BOHÈME Is a Moving and Powerful Interpretation Of This Timeless Story

Saturday 3rd January 2015, Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House

Opera Australia presents a powerful, emotion charged re-imagining of Puccini's LA BOHÈME which proves once again that this love story remains relevant, regardless of which century it is set.

Director Gale Edwards (along with Revival Directors Matthew Barclay and Andy Morton) brings the story forward some 90 years from the Bohemian Latin Quarter of Paris of the original story, to 1930's Weimar Republic Berlin with Brian Thomson's set which includes the sparsely furnished Spiegeltent inspired octagonal garret that forms Marcello's canvas, a sumptuous cabaret hall version of Café Momus and a cold sterile Customs Hall. Julie Lynch's costumes help define the various groups that make up the world of LA BOHEME, from the poverty of the starving artists in their worn out shoes and clothes that don't quite match, to the well to do patrons at Café Momus, the lingerie clad ladies that entertain in the Café and out in the streets, and the various street vendors and children.

Whilst presented in the original Italian, the singers and the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, under Conductor Andrea Molino interpret Puccini's work with the requisite emotion, giving light and shade to enable the story to be followed with only glancing reference to the surtitles. It is clear that the orchestra understand that Puccini paints scenes with his music and Edward's design ensures that these aural pictures reinforce visual images from the dying fire in the garret furnace to the gentle snowfall. Bold passionate moments or tender quite interlude between characters are reflected through the music appropriately, ensuring that the sound remains an important part of the story, not just filling space.

Andrew Jones as the painter Marcello presents a full rounded sound and Diego Torre as poet Rodolfo shows his strength in solo and duet pieces. Torre demonstrates Rodolfo's changing emotions from the gentle resignation that his work serves better to fuel the furnace, the blossoming love for his neighbor, and the jealousy and desperation that overcomes him. Jones captures Marcello's passion through his jealousy of seeing his ex on the arm of the well-to-do Alcindoro (Adrian Tamburini) and the frustration that all his work reminds him of his ex. Shane Lowrencev (Schaunard the musician) and David Parkin (Colline the philosopher) complete the group of friends that that enjoy lighthearted moments together with physical comedy and playful lyrics and tender moments where the friends support each other. Lowrencev's sharing the story of his windfall from playing to a dying bird is amusing. Parkin's rendition of Colline's aria about his coat is touching despite the absurdity of the subject and the importance of this item of clothing to the poor philosopher in winter becomes understandable from the sincerity of the performance. Maija Kovalevska as somewhat ditzy innocent neighbor, seamstress Mimi has a clear resonance whilst coloring her songs with tenderness and excitement and despair. Lorina Gore gives singer Musetta the powerful passion of a woman that gets what she wants as she sings to woo back her lover or flies into rage with him.

Opera Australia's LA BOHÈME is well worth seeing. Puccini's score is powerful, the story is ageless and the Company presents a moving interpretation reflecting a sound understanding of the subject and content. The story is simple and the clear musical picture Puccini creates along with the sensitive and passionate delivery makes this both a wonderful introduction to Opera for those wanting to see something different and a must see for those already acquainted with the genre.

LA BOHÈME

Opera Australia

Joan Sutherland Theatre

Sydney Opera House

January 3 - 16, 2015

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